Pet safety
Is Wall Germandertoxic to cats & dogs?
Teucrium chamaedrys
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Teucrium chamaedrys
Is wall germander safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Wall Germander is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats wall germander?
Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to wall germander, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate wall germander
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move wall germander out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of wall germander to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to wall germander
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Wall Germander and pets — frequently asked questions
Is wall germander toxic to cats?
Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is wall germander toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like wall germander is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats wall germander?
Teucrium chamaedrys contains neoclerodane diterpenes, principally teucrin A, which are bioactivated by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and cause hepatotoxicity (acute liver damage). Documented cases of liver failure in humans using herbal preparations, and the plant is listed as hepatotoxic; ASPCA lists Teucrium species as toxic. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, and acute liver failure. Keep away from all pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to wall germander, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate wall germander?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of wall germander to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to wall germander?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full wall germander care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete wall germander care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.